Half of India reels under scorching sun, Delhi's April average monthly max temp second highest in 72 years
Darpan News Desk IANS, 29 Apr, 2022 12:06 PM
New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) Even as mercury soared beyond 45 degree Celsius across various stations of Delhi-NCR, the continued heat wave has ensured that the average monthly maximum temperature for April 2022, at 40.2 degrees Celsius, is the second highest after April 2010 (when it was 40.4 degrees Celsius) since 1951.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi's base station, recorded maximum temperature of 43.5 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal while the stations that recorded maximum temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius include Ridge at north Delhi (45.7), Jafarpur (45.2), Mungeshpur (45.9), Pitampura (45.9) and the highest in Delhi was at Sports Complex near Akshardham temple at 46.4 degrees Celsius.
Gurugram too recorded above 45.9 degrees Celsius.
For Saturday, the IMD has predicted maximum temperature to be around 44 degrees Celsius and minimum to be at 26 degrees Celsius with heat wave conditions at few places and partly cloudy skies.
This is the third wave since March for Delhi-NCR and NW India. On Thursday, the Safdarjung Observatory had recorded 43.5 degrees Celsius, just falling short of breaking the 2010 record of 45.7 degrees Celsius even as several other stations in Delhi-NCR recorded maximum temperatures well above 43.5 degrees Celsius.
On Thursday, senior IMD scientist R K Jenamani had said that Delhi-NCR and entire northwest Indian plains had received no significant rainfall after February 25 and the earliest that these areas can expect relief is on May 2 when there is a possibility of significant rainfall due to a Western Disturbance then.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the country's top security officers held a meeting on Wednesday over the situation arising out of the IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu that killed Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others onboard the ill-fated helicopter.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella body of the farmers protesting along the borders of the national capital over agricultural issues, have agreed to the draft proposal prepared by the Central government, and is expected make a "major announcement" on Thursday. A meeting is likely to be held on Thursday noon to decide the further strategy of the movement.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday lashed out at the Congress high command for appointing Ajay Maken as the Chairman of the screening committee for shortlisting candidates for the next Vidhan Sabha elections in Punjab. In a statement here, Amarinder Singh said Maken is the nephew of (late) Lalit Maken, who was one of the main culprits of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said the sand mafia in Punjab alone runs illegal business of over Rs 20,000 crore. There are serious allegations of direct involvement of ruling Congress MLAs, their ministers and their close associates, including the Chief Minister himself.
Farmers' agitation on the borders of the national capital is likely to end soon as the Centre on Tuesday gave a written assurance on their demands. After a meeting in the evening, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is spear-heading the agitation, said that they will meet again on Wednesday as they have sought some clarifications from the government on its communication.
